Largest deployment of automated systems

Monday 27th October 2008

Omnicell, a leading provider of system solutions to acute healthcare facilities, and Avantec, Omnicell's UK distributor, have announced a deal which represents Europe's largest deployment of automated supply equipment.

Three of London's largest hospitals within the NHS have selected OmniSupplier cabinet systems in a project budgeted at more than £6.5million.

The Omnicell systems form a cornerstone of the project which includes an entirely new logistics process for managing medical and surgical supplies.

The Foundation Trusts of Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and King's College Hospital will use Omnicell supply systems to improve data capture, reduce consumption and inventory, and increase overall efficiency for materials management departments, nursing units and specialty areas.

The hospitals plan for the first of the systems to go live in selected departments on November 24, with subsequent installations in 2009.

Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals are also planning to use the systems for medication in the middle of next year.

"This project is a ground-breaking development in the NHS and has the potential to revolutionise the work patterns of clinical staff and produce a model of best practice in managing hospital supply chains," said David Lawson, head of Procurement at Guy's and St Thomas.

"The project has been welcomed by staff that can see the benefits it has on their working days. Managers are also delighted as it provides them with an unprecedented level of cost control."

Avantec, Omnicell's sole UK distributor and close partner, has oversight and responsibility for project management, installation and maintenance for the systems, with support from Omnicell's European and US teams.

"In addition to reducing inventory for greater efficiency, unique OmniSupplier features such as 'guiding lights' on the system's drawers reduce the possibility of errors and make it easier for clinicians to handle medication packaging," said Maurice Gale, Sales Director, Avantec. 

The unique architecture of OmniSupplier enables each department to manage its supplies and medications independently while tracking transaction data, inventory levels, expenses and patient treatment costs through a single database. With streamlined workflow and inventory management, hospital staff have more time to spend on patient care. 

Omnicell